Gielgud Theatre
Now Playing: Oliver!
Dickens' orphan hero returns in a large-scale musical of London streets, pickpockets, danger and unforgettable songs.
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What Visitors Say
Fantastic. The theatre is absolutely beautiful, only small but perfect. We went to see Oliver which was incredible. The cast were absolutely amazing. What a superb production. This was our first visit to this particular theatre and it didn't disappoint. It's history is amazing and when you sit a look around, then think of all the wonderful people that have trod them boards it was an honour to sit and see the talent and dedication of the people on that stage. Going to the theatre gives an experience that nothing else gets close to. This performance will hook you for ever, so it's a must to visit.
The Gielgud Theatre looks great from the outside and even better on the inside. Pretty much all of the seating gives an adequately good view with most of it giving a great view because of its design. The stage was larger than normal which had to be to put on such a show as Oliver. The Acoustics from the orchestra was amazing. Plenty of bars and toilets to accommodate such a wide audience.
I went to see Oliver and this musical was amazing! The decor was incredible and they had their own orchestra ! The actors were really good even more the children actors ! I greatly recommend seeing this play if you go to london!
Fantastic Theatre. Warm welcome into a bright and historic theatre. Had a box with private room and butler... All very reasonable too all considered, money wise. Saw Oliver! Top show.
Lovely Theatre. Its very small a bit like The Cambridge Theatre where Matilda is on. I had seats in the stalls, row T and although they were a good location there was an overhang on the dress circle above which made it very hard to see some of the show. If you are booking in the stalls I would say book up to row N for a clear view. Like most London theatres, there is a big queue for the ladies at half time. The staff are very accommodating and friendly. The show Oliver was excellent 👏
About Gielgud Theatre
Home to Royal Shakespeare Company residencies and numerous acclaimed productions, including the Olivier Award-winning 'The Ferryman'.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Fans of drama, star-led plays and elegant West End nights. Ideal for couples, theatre lovers and visitors exploring Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho.
💺 Best Seats
Stalls for intimacy and emotional connection; front rows of the Dress Circle for a clear, elevated view of the stage; Grand Circle front and central for good value and atmosphere.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Avoid the very back rows of the Grand Circle where the rake and height can reduce detail, and far-side seats on all levels where ornate boxes or pillars may limit sightlines.
Things to Know Before You Go
Which seats are worth prioritising at Gielgud Theatre?
Stalls for intimacy and emotional connection; front rows of the Dress Circle for a clear, elevated view of the stage; Grand Circle front and central for good value and atmosphere. For a safer booking, also note: Avoid the very back rows of the Grand Circle where the rake and height can reduce detail, and far-side seats on all levels where ornate boxes or pillars may limit sightlines. Use that as editorial guidance rather than a guarantee; always check the live seating plan and any seat notes before paying.
Is Gielgud Theatre a good venue for seeing Oliver!?
Yes, if you book with the production's scale in mind. Oliver! is currently listed at Gielgud Theatre, so choose seats that suit this staging rather than simply buying the cheapest available ticket. For a first visit, a central view is the least risky option.
What kind of night out does Gielgud Theatre suit best?
Gielgud Theatre works best for Fans of drama, star-led plays and elegant West End nights. Ideal for couples, theatre lovers and visitors exploring Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho. The right choice depends less on dress code and more on matching the room to the production: intimate plays reward proximity, while spectacle-led musicals usually benefit from a more centred overview.
What should I know about access before booking Gielgud Theatre?
Check the venue's official access page or box office before booking wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, step-free routes, companion seats or assisted performances. London venues vary sharply by level, and the most comfortable choice is often a specific access seat rather than a general price band.
How early should I arrive at Gielgud Theatre?
Aim to be at the doors around half an hour before the performance, and earlier if you need access support, cloakroom time, box-office collection or a quiet drink. For older West End buildings, late arrival can mean stairs, narrow foyers and a less relaxed start.
What is the easiest way to reach Gielgud Theatre?
Piccadilly Circus is the simplest station to check first. The venue address in our data is Shaftesbury Avenue. For weekend visits, check engineering works and leave a little extra time around the West End and major transport hubs.
Where is the Gielgud Theatre located?
At 35 Shaftesbury Avenue, on the corner of Rupert Street in Soho, London W1D 6AR.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Piccadilly Circus (4–5 mins) and Leicester Square (5 mins). Tottenham Court Road is also close.
Which train station is nearest?
Charing Cross is about a 12-minute walk. Waterloo and Euston are one Tube ride away.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive around 30 minutes before showtime to pass bag checks and enjoy the foyer or bars.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code. Smart-casual is common, but comfort is most important.
Is the theatre accessible?
Step-free access to the foyer and Stalls via Rupert Street. One wheelchair space available and adapted toilets provided.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes. Bars serve drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
Are bags checked at the entrance?
Light bag checks take place. Large items and prohibited objects cannot be brought inside.
🤓 Fun Facts
Opened in 1906 as the Hicks Theatre, named after Seymour Hicks — who once stepped into a leading role to replace his own wife mid-run.
The theatre shares an architect, W.G.R. Sprague, with its sister venue across the street — the Sondheim Theatre.
Renamed in 1994 to honour Sir John Gielgud, one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the 20th century.
The venue features a famous circular Regency-style staircase, often photographed by visitors.
Refurbishments in 1987 and 2008 restored much of the original Edwardian and Louis XVI detail.
Nearby Places
Sondheim Theatre
1 min 👣
Apollo Theatre
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Lyric Theatre
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Underbelly Boulevard
1 min 👣
Piccadilly Theatre
2 min 👣
Prince of Wales Theatre
3 min 👣
Criterion Theatre
3 min 👣
Prince Edward Theatre
3 min 👣
Palace Theatre
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Hippodrome Casino (Over 18s Only)
4 min 👣
Harold Pinter Theatre
4 min 👣Venue Location
Nearest Tube Stations
- Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly, Bakerloo Zone 1 0.21 km
- Leicester Square Northern, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.33 km
- Tottenham Court Road Northern, Central Zone 1 0.54 km